Assistant Warden (East Dorset)

The Wildlife Trusts; Corfe Mullen; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff pension scheme

Staff benefits package

Job summary

Dorset Wildlife Trust is seeking an enthusiastic and hardworking Assistant Warden to join our Nature Recovery Team. The role is based on reserves across South and East Dorset, including Upton Heath, Sopley Common and Corfe Mullen Meadows, where you will support wildlife conservation across diverse habitats.

The post is full-time and permanent, requiring practical conservation experience, a willingness to learn, and the ability to work in a small team while occasionally leading volunteers.

Qualifications

• Experience in practical conservation management.
• Good knowledge of wildlife habitats.
• Willingness to learn and work as part of a small team.
• Ability to use power tools and machinery; stock management; lead volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Assist with practical conservation and estate management tasks on reserves across Dorset.
• Support wildlife on various habitats including heathland, grassland, meadow and woodland.
• Work as part of a wardening team and, when required, take initiative and lead volunteers.

Skills

Practical conservation experience

Knowledge of wildlife habitats

Teamwork

Initiative

Stock management

Volunteer leadership

Machinery/tools operation

Tools

Power tools

Machinery operation

Job description

Dorset Wildlife Trust is seeking an enthusiastic and hardworking Assistant Warden to work within our Nature Recovery Team.

This is a great opportunity to get involved in a range of practical conservation and estate management tasks on some wonderful nature reserves across South and East Dorset, including Upton Heath, Sopley Common and Corfe Mullen Meadows. You will be working in a wide range of habitats, supporting wildlife on heathland, limestone grassland, meadow and woodland.

We are looking for someone with a broad range of experience in practical conservation management and a good knowledge of wildlife habitats, and yet with a willingness to learn. An ability to work as part of a team of wardens, but also under their own initiative is essential. The work will include use of power tools and machinery, stock management and elements of volunteer leadership. Some knowledge of habitat and species relevant to the area will be useful. This post will be rewarding and enjoyable, fitting within a highly skilled and vibrant team.

The post is a full time, permanent position and will be based out of the Urban Wildlife Centre, Beacon Hill, Corfe Mullen and also occasionally working at other sites across Dorset.

Salary: £25,760 plus 5% employer contribution and 2% employee contribution pension scheme and staff benefits package.

Closing date for applications: 5pm on 13 September 2026.

Interviews to be held on 23 September 2026.